Shadow over Flodden Book

In this Joe Gunther novel, the discovery of human hair in a bird’s nest leads to an investigation into corrupt selectmen, blackmail, and wrongdoing on the part of two of Brattleboro’s wealthiest and most powerful figures. And of course, other murders follow.

After last year’s boring entry The Dark Root, this book is a bit of a redemption for Gunther. The characterization and the dialogue are as always top-notch. Mayor’s attention to detail is strong as ever, but the detail makes the atmosphere stronger rather than distracting from the story. On the minus side, as usual the plot is utterly, ridiculously convoluted. Some of the murders are rather tenuously linked to the financial plot, and I honestly have no idea how the first body found has any relation to it at all. And of course, there’s the usual one-on-one chase scene where Gunther conveniently forgets his radio, doesn’t call for backup, etc. The book’s superficially exciting, but not in the least satisfying.